53 migrants rescued, another 28 reported

stephen vella

Jul 31st 2008, 08:55

I’m afraid it’s no use pleading to the government for action, don’t forget that the government is being led by the nose by the Jesuits, UNHCR and NGO’s.

A. MUSCAT

Jul 31st 2008, 08:41

No sooner are the hugs and kisses over than our elite friend Gaddafi despatches two boatloads with 81 illegal migrants. How is that as a sign of goodwill and friendship ?
But we need not worry unduly as according to David Casa (Radio 101) " there is no cause for alarm, in their position we would have done the same, and that there are over a million ready to cross over but no problem". Poor David failed to match the numerous calls questioning his reasoning by cutting off the line.. But Casa & Co. first home is Brussels so why worry.

Anyway this is sheer political suicide as all the powers that beare proving to be spineless
when confronted with a threatining situation. Rightly said "they also serve who only stand and wait " hoping for a European, Libyan or some sort of saintly miracle. By now it could be late but at least stop this 'bootliking' approach and make way for someone who at least might have the guts to tackle the problem. This situation will come to haunt you in the near future. Message is that you gave up with no light at the end of the tunnel.

Wayne Grima

Jul 31st 2008, 08:35

A mass protest should be held to make the government aware that the situation is intolerable. Helping people in need is one thing, being invaded is completely the opposite. The situation is know critical. A protest is a must.

P Debono

Jul 31st 2008, 07:31

@ A Tabone

Couldn't agree more! The electoral parties should be ashamed of themselves for not even muttering a single word about illegal immigration.

So do you guys actually think they care enough to declare a state of emergency?!

Nigel Lawrence

Jul 31st 2008, 07:02

You can bet your bottom dollar (euro?) that if I was a WHITE illegal immigrant. I would be "repatriated" quicker than you can say it. This is racism with a new twist.

charles brown

Jul 31st 2008, 04:19

I've been missing from malta for over48 years but love to read what;s happening over there I might have a solution to your boat people problems we have an ex prime minister a mr JOHN HOWARD out of work at moment he'l show your boys and girls how to fix the problem comona island comes to mind good luck I noticed the church has been quiet on this

Mario Mizzi

Jul 31st 2008, 01:00

The more we except, the more will come. What I find alarming is that we hear no word from any MP's on when they intend to put a stop to this. Who is actually governing this island may I ask? This needs to be stopped immediately. Can't you see that we are fed up, hearing the same news day in day out. Have we not been tolerant enough? Helped enough? This is our country after all and the people are getting nervous.

S Mugliett

Jul 31st 2008, 00:53

These newcomers will contribute to an increase in the population of Malta and hence help increase the pressure on our resources and environment. Ultimately these immigrants shall change the demography of Malta. And our future politicians will have to take them into account as they (or their descendants) will constitute a hefty chunk of votes ...

Wilfred L Camilleri

Jul 31st 2008, 00:34

If these illegal immigrants are arriving in dinghies it only means that they are being dropped off ships or large boats calling Libya there home port. This also means that the Libyan government in tacitly encouraging or is complicit in this horrific situation. The Maltese government should turn around and load these migrants on a ship and drop them off the coast of Libya!

Sandro Pace

Jul 31st 2008, 00:19

Last March there was a big opportunity to at least show concern and give some support to whoever put this issue on the agenda. Next opportunity, June. At this rate, too late.

The party in government chose the timing well and gave false sense of security with Frontex, which many believed. I do not venture much into childish petty partisan political, but if one goes by Anglu Farrugia this government might not even have the mandate of the majority of the people living here. We lost the opportunity to at least see what the other side would have done.

Hate to say, but we are 'makku' afterall. (when it comes to things that matter)
OK, no one owes us nothing, but we owe nothing to no one. Presently, only forces of nature will limit this invasion.

apgrech

Jul 30th 2008, 23:52

Where is the EU? What are they doing to help stop this invasion? The answer is obvious: They are doing NOTHING.

If the EU doesn't want to help us why shouldn't Malta take the law in its own hands and protect herself by passing its own laws. The government should tell the EU that Malta will follow the EU rules when the EU acts responsibly. They simply don't care and it looks like neither our government doesn't care.

AFM - leave the boats alone - let them sail further north by themselves. Keep an eye instead for the mother ships who are sending these illegals on smaller boats when they are close to our islands.

Gonzi - wake up.

Romina Edwards

Jul 30th 2008, 23:40

i think its already too late for the government to do something about this not suspected but surely organized invasion.In no time we will be over populated and we will suffer,not the government !!

apgrech

Jul 30th 2008, 23:05

I suspect this invasion is diligently organized. There is something behind it all.

The government will discover the reason when it's too late.

Victor Grima

Jul 30th 2008, 22:43

When will the government declare a state of emergency knowing to well that european countries are sceptical on burden sharing. Under these circumtances, this small nation cannot adhere to treaties or conventions as we are witnessing an organised invasion. the govenment must deport every illegal immigrant to his/her country of origin whether it is Somalia or Ethiopia.

A. Tabone

Jul 30th 2008, 22:37

@John Debattista

We have the governance that the Maltese people voted for. We all know that 91% of eligible voters, voted for parties which did not mention a single word about illegal immigrants in their electoral campaign. So let us enjoy this because we all want it.

victor vella

Jul 30th 2008, 22:08

Is it going to take a mass proest to make the goverment aware that we are fed up paying for the upkeep of these people. Helping a refugee is one thing feeding thousands is another and yet the goverment canot put them to work cleaning and other works which would at least keep the island spick and span.If muammar Gaddafi doesn't want to cooperate then his country should be boycotted by Europe again, but it seems that he has too many friends in Europe of the north ,all I say is this , whatever and however you protest do not hurt anyone.

L Bartoli

Jul 30th 2008, 21:32

This is a subtle invasion.

John Debattista

Jul 30th 2008, 21:30

@ J.Camenzuli @ Adrian Pace Please don't waste your time ,All the Nation knows that the Goverment and the MEP and all the Members of Parlament are doing nothing, They are treating us like Kids. WHAT GOVERNANCE WE HAVE ?

a.cassar

Jul 30th 2008, 21:16

Did the Sparto pick them up or did she just report them to the AFM? if the dinghy was half submerged the migrants were in imminent danger of losing their lives. Are we seeing here a new pattern emerging? Dinghies are being used now with a bigger occupancy. also, how come the bigger ships with closer to 200 migrants never make it to malta but end up in lampedusa or linosa? this indicates that the migrants are being destributed in a planned , organised way so as not to 'flood the market'

Joseph Agius

Jul 30th 2008, 20:56

Seems that dinghys are finding their way to Malta much easier!!!! someone is really making lots of money while making fun of our country!...they sure are wiser then all our representatives in parliament! could they lend us some of their brains?!

J.Camenzuli

Jul 30th 2008, 20:40

Can the PM inform the Nation what action he is taking to stop this continuous influx of illegal migrants? The rate they are coming, in a few days our island would not be able to cope.

Adrian Pace

Jul 30th 2008, 20:36

What are our MEP's doing???